The Anti-Gravity Treadmill: What does it do and how can it be applied in a clinical setting?
The Anti-Gravity Treadmill or Alter-G is a versatile piece of technology used at 4D Health and Performance, allowing us to prescribe for a wide range of individuals facing challenges with full-weight bearing activities. By manipulating air pressure, users can adjust their gravitational load from 100% down to as little as 20% of their body weight, opening new possibilities for rehabilitation, exercise and performance enhancement.
This technology allows our practitioners to address biomechanical issues more effectively. By reducing the weight-bearing load, our clinicians can isolate and target specific weaknesses in their patient’s movement patterns. This focused approach across patients rehab timeline not only aids in recovery but also enhances overall mobility and functionality.
The Alter-G empowers individuals to move in ways that may not be possible under normal gravitational conditions. Whether it’s used in rehabilitation, athletic training, or general physical fitness, it represents a valuable tool in enhancing physical performance and improving overall quality of life.
Which Populations Would Benefit from the Alter-G?
From enhancing rehabilitation after surgery to enabling effective cardiovascular workouts with reduced impact, its adjustable gravitational load feature accommodates diverse needs. Below are specific benefits across different populations:
- Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal: provides an alternative for weight-bearing exercise, significantly reducing joint symptoms and supporting post-injury and postoperative recovery protocols.
- Cardiac: maintains stable heart rate and blood pressure, making it suitable for treadmill exercises in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
- Neurological: gait training is beneficial across various neurological conditions, enhancing motor learning that is essential for functional improvements. This approach using the Alter-G has shown effectiveness in conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury where balance and ambulation has been affected.
- Obesity: alleviates joint stress and pain during walking, allow for the facilitation of effective weight-loss programs. Allows deconditioned patients to participate in treadmill related exercise prescription.
- Athlete: allows athletes to train longer, faster and enhance cardiovascular performance whilst minimising impact and stress on their joints.
Overall, the Alter-G promotes diverse therapeutic and performance-enhancing applications, transforming how individuals approach physical activity and rehabilitation.
Reach out to our clinic to book your first Alter-G session today. Book online today.